Freehold, NJ — A St. Patrick’s Day tradition continues at Freehold Raceway, as the 2019 Irish Pace is scheduled for Saturday (March 16).

Conducted every year around St. Patrick’s Day, the race is notable for featuring exclusively Irish drivers. This year’s field includes Freehold regular “Irish Joe” Hanney, Corey Callahan, George Brennan, Robert Bresnahan, and several others. The winner of the race will receive a special ceremonial blanket.

This year’s Irish Pace will be augmented by a special appearance by former New York Jets quarterback Ray “Black Irish” Lucas. Lucas will autograph photos for the first 100 patrons at Freehold. In addition, a Lucas jersey, a football, and a Jets mini-helmet will be given away in a free drawing.

All events that day are sponsored by Peter Grandich and Company, of Spring Lake, N.J.

“Freehold Raceway has brought joy for over 40 years as a racing fan and owner,” Grandich said. “As a lover of all things Irish, it’s a pleasure to have this race, and especially one of my dearest professional athlete friends, Ray ‘Black Irish’ Lucas, there.”

The first race at Freehold that day is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. (EDT).